Archive for the 'Ecology and Nature' Category

It has been noted that serious technophiles tend not to hang onto their mobile phones for very long but, at the same time, the easily scratched surface of the smart phone requires protection. In all, it contributes to the rapidly growing mountains of plastic being dumped across the globe.

The combination of the short shelf life of the average phone and the fragility of the touch screen has resulted in a curious – but extremely practical – solution that also looks to protect the environment: the biodegradable iPhone cover.

Take care of your phone and save the planet!

Jávea’s Town Council, in collaboration with CIRNE Cultural Foundation, is to initiate a campaign aimed at protecting some of the area’s most important trees, whether either ancient or unique to the area.

The main aim of this project is to conduct a full inventory of all of the area’s centuries old and native trees. This process has been viewed as an excellent vehicle through which to educate local school children about the importance of the environment and the heritage provided by some of these extraordinary trees.

Jávea moves to protect its green heritage

Yes, even animals have the right to party! On 28th February Biopark in Valencia celebrates its 4th anniversary.

The Biopark opened on 27th February 2008, replacing the previous zoo that closed in July 2007 and is located at the heart of the Cabecera Park, north of the old Turia riverbed gardens. The zoo has 100,000m2 of African habitat containing over 4,000 animals of 250 different species, all from the same continent. The various different African habitats are represented, including the savannah, the tropical rainforest as well as the island of Madagascar. The ecosystems have been carefully reproduced making sure that each and every animal feels completely at home and there are plans to extend the park in order to add Southeast Asian and neotropical habitats.

An anniversary in the wild!

Jávea’s Environmental Department recently finished the cleaning and maintenance of the viewing area at Cala Blanca, specifically the path that skirts the sea and offers panoramic views of the coast.

Since this is a popular walking route for both locals and tourists, its improvement was considered vitally important, yet unfortunately the necessary work was delayed by a bitter ten-year dispute over the ownership of the land.

Jávea’s environment agency cleans up Cala Blanca

How do you create interest in a subject that, at first appearance, might seem a little dry and dusty? Well, one sure-fire way to do it is to position it at the heart of a Hollywood blockbuster that is directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Harrison Ford!

Ever since the Indiana Jones franchise hit the cinemas, the previously sedate academic subject of archaeology has undergone a renaissance, with students signing up in the hope of covering themselves with a little bit of that Indy stardust.

Now an interactive exhibition at the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum in Valencia’s famous City of Arts and Sciences has gathered together an impressive collection of material from the Indiana Jones movies in order to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of this highly successful franchise.

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology

Science Magazine, one of the world’s most influential periodicals on the subject, recently nominated its Top 10 Scientific Discoveries of 2011, of which three emerged from Spanish research.

The much-heralded vaccine against malaria was developed in Spain along with the surprising discovery that human beings can be divided into types according to their intestinal flora, in a manner similar to the divisions drawn by blood grouping. Previously it was thought that each person’s intestinal flora was unique.

Science Magazine names 2011′s Top 10 Scientific Discoveries

The concept of going on a safari has appealed to travellers since Europeans first glimpsed the African interior. In the past, hunters would relish the idea of bagging a few rare beasts for their trophy wall, but these days safaris are largely the preserve of animal lovers and conservationists.

Africa calling! When is the best time to go on safari?